Amanda Getchel
San Bernardino County Democrat Examiner
Legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on Tuesday that would give the United States another national holiday.
Rep. Joe Baca, the only Democrat representing San Bernardino County in the U.S. House, introduced legislation that would designate the fourth Friday of every March to be observed as “Cesar E. Chavez Day.”
Chavez was a man dedicated to farm worker and worker rights, economic justice, civil rights, environmental justice, peace, non-violence, and empowerment of the poor and disenfranchised. He also was the founder and leader of the United Farm Workers of America, the first successful farm workers union in the country’s history.
“The struggles Cesar Chavez was engaged in and the victories he achieved for civil rights, labor rights and the environment helped people throughout our nation,” Baca said in a news release. “Encouraging the establishment of a day of recognition is the correct way to remember this man who defines respect, dignity and hope for so many Americans.”
Baca also introduced the resolution during the 110th Congress in 2007. House Republicans blocked the establishment of a legal national Cesar Chavez holiday after introducing a rule prohibiting any bill from being introduced that expressed a commemoration such as celebrations, remembrances or recognitions of individuals – something House Republicans have said they would consider doing again now that they have regained the majority for the 112th Congress.
If the fate of this bill follows history it will not pass, but President Barack Obama already has said he supported a national holiday for Chavez when he was campaigning to be president in 2008.
“Chavez left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist and a civil rights leader,” then-Sen. Obama said in a statement in March 2008. “And his cause lives on. As farmworkers and laborers across America continue to struggle for fair treatment and fair wages, we find strength in what Cesar Chavez accomplished so many years ago. And we should honor him for what he’s taught us about making America a stronger, more just, and more prosperous nation.
“That’s why I support the call to make Cesar Chavez’s birthday a national holiday. It’s time to recognize the contributions of this American icon to the ongoing efforts to perfect our union.”
Baca echoed Obama’s sentiments saying Chavez was an inspiration in making sure everyone was treated fairly and equally.
“For years, I have fought to raise awareness and better educate more Americans about the life of Cesar Chavez,” Baca said. “In these times of economic hardship and strife around the world, it is essential that Cesar’s legacy continues to inspire others to work for the fair and just treatment of all people.”
According to the Cesar Chavez holiday organization’s Website, 10 states – California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Rhode Island – already recognize Cesar Chavez Day on March 31.
